FLIR Systems’ proprietary ‘superframing’ technique has been developed to extend the effective scene brightness of a thermal image while maintaining its thermal contrast.

Although most thermal cameras can produce high-contrast images showing small temperature differences, they can only do so within a defined temperature range.

However, when extreme temperatures appear within a scene, the hottest parts of the image will be saturated and the coldest parts will appear black or noisy, resulting in a loss of image detail and invalid temperature measurements. This is a particular problem in R&D applications when imaging high-speed digital video of scenes with large temperature differences such as engine monitoring, rocket launches or explosions.

The superframing technique developed by FLIR Systems involves varying the exposure, or integration time, of a FLIR thermal-imaging camera from frame to frame in a cyclic manner and combining the resulting subframes into single superframes with extended temperature ranges, enabling visualisation of scenes featuring extreme temperature differences.

Flir Systems

FLIR Systems specialises in technologies that enhance perception and awareness. The company brings innovative sensing solutions into daily life through its thermal imaging and visible light imaging technology and systems for measurement, diagnosis, location and advanced threat detection. Its products improve the way people interact with the world around them, enhance productivity, increase energy efficiency and make the workplace safer.

FLIR Systems has six operating segments – surveillance, instruments, OEM and emerging markets, maritime, security and finally, detection. Of these six, ‘instruments’ is of greatest interest to trade and industry and the second largest segment in the company’s portfolio. This division provides devices that image, measure and assess thermal energy, gases and other environmental elements for industrial, commercial and scientific applications.

These products are manufactured across five production sites, three in the USA and two in Europe; Sweden and Estonia.

A model to suit every application and budgetThe options that FLIR Systems provides for measuring temperature and studying thermal performance have never been greater. Not only does the company offer a huge range of models to suit all thermal application needs but the technology is also affordable and very easy to use. Thermal cameras now come in various shapes, sizes and degrees of sophistication and FLIR continues to invest heavily in the development of new and complementary technologies to differentiate itself from competitors.

An important milestone in the development of thermal imaging has been the introduction of the FLIR Lepton® core, a micro longwave detector, the size of a mobile SIM. This has allowed thermal imaging to be repackaged to meet the needs of an even wider audience and, in combination with another new technology called Infrared Guided Measurement – IGM™ – has led to the development of a range of test and measurement meters with imaging capability.

Another important growth area for FLIR thermal imaging is in continuous monitoring to assure quality and safety. Through its introduction of discrete fixed mounted thermal cameras which are fully compliant industry standard plug-and-play protocols, FLIR Systems has provided industry with infrared machine vision which is instantly ready for quick and easy network installation.

Protecting assets and people from fire is an area for which thermal imaging is least known but, thanks to FLIR Systems’ development, it is now one of the most cost-effective methods available. Its application flexibility and rapid return on investment present an attractive proposition for any site or safety manager.